The Daily Word of Righteousness

An Examination of Current Teaching, #5

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? (I Corinthians 5:1,2)

We are under a "dispensation of grace (forgiveness)" meaning God deals differently with people now compared with His previous dealings with mankind.

There is a continuity throughout the entire Bible. God's work is not divided into dispensations. The Scriptures are one seamless robe of Christ.

Under the Law of Moses, it was a sin for a man to have relations with his father's wife. This also is true under the new covenant. Moral sin is sin under the old covenant and the new covenant. We are not under a "dispensation of grace (forgiveness)" that excuses our conduct.

It is true that the covenantal aspects of the Law of Moses, such as the laws governing leprosy, and the kosher laws, are no longer binding on Christians. But the moral aspects of the Law of Moses, such as the statutes governing adultery and bearing false witness, are part of the eternal moral law of God. They are of the Nature of God and therefore are eternal.

Thus it is in no manner true, that God deals differently with people now. From time immemorial God's plan for man is that man behave uprightly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. God's goal never, never changes. What is different today is that we have more of the Divine Virtue available to us so we may attain the eternal goal.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

"Honor your father and mother" which is the first commandment with a promise "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."  (Ephesians 6:2)

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1,2)

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. (I John 3:4)

To be continued.